By: Manoah Kikekon
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The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reverse its decision suspending the licenses of a ValueJet pilot and co-pilot following the recent Abuja airport security breach involving Fuji music star KWAM 1.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Saturday, NAAPE’s National President, Galadima Abednego, demanded a transparent and unbiased investigation into the August 5 incident, where KWAM 1 allegedly disrupted a Lagos-bound flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
While acknowledging that the ValueJet captain could have exercised better judgment, Abednego vehemently condemned KWAM 1’s actions, describing them as "crude, arrogant, and unacceptable." He emphasized that aviation safety and security are non-negotiable, urging authorities to hold the musician fully accountable.
NAAPE praised the Aviation Minister and NCAA for their swift response but insisted that punishing the pilots alone is unjust. Abednego argued that KWAM 1’s "intense provocation" tested the patience of professionals with otherwise spotless records.
The union also demanded that, KWAM 1 be prosecuted to deter future incidents. ValueJet continues supporting the suspended crew. Passengers cooperate with airport authorities for smoother operations.
Following initial denials, the Fuji star finally expressed regret on Friday after being placed on a no-fly list for allegedly holding passengers and crew hostage.
(NAN)